Monday night Dancing with the Stars featured the remaining 11 contestants’ Most Memorable Year in dance and Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, revealed that Harry Potter and its author J.K. Rowling saved her life when she was suffering from an eating disorder between the ages of 11 and 12.

“I was in such a dark place all I could think about was exercising and getting thinner, calorie counting, and being perfect,” Lynch told reporters on the red carpet. “It was so dark and consuming. And then when I would read those books that would be the only time I would actually get a reprieve from those feelings. That had such an impact on me, how it could make me see a different kind of life for myself was just like very profound.”

She also got encouragement from Rowling, with whom she actually had a correspondence as she was in and out of the hospital for her disease.

“She really inspired me,” said Lynch, who also shared that Rowling had no clue that Lynch was auditioning for the role of Luna. “When somebody that you love and adore that much encourages you, it makes you listen in a way that I didn’t really listen to my family or friends when they were trying to help, but she really did help.”

Everyone’s recovery story is different, but for Lynch, she says that it happened because she fell in love with other things.

“I think love and light is the antidote to any of that kind of darkness,” she said. “I fell in love with acting, and I fell in love with books and things. It made me feel like, ‘Oh, maybe it’s worth giving up my eating disorder for these things. Maybe your recovery is worth it.’ So, I would say it’s not about a fight or a struggle it’s about finding things that you love more than that need to self-destruct.”

This week Lynch and her professional partner Keo Motsepe performed a Viennese waltz to “Hedwig’s Theme”from Harry Potter, earning a score of 27 out of 30 points.

And next Monday for trio night, they will be joined on the dance floor by Lynch’s best friend Scarlett Byrne, also a Harry Potter alum.

“She played Pansy Parkinson and she’s been my best friend for a long time,” Lynch said. “She’s just such a lovely, fierce lady. I love her and she’s going to be awesome. She’s very excited.”

AMG/Parade Digital

Connect With Us

More from AMG/Parade

Our partners

Your use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance
of our User Agreement,
Privacy Policy,
Cookie Notification,
and awareness of the California Privacy Rights.
Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal
and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced,
distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used,
without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Media Group.
Ad Choices